Molybdenum Containing Catalysts Grafted on Functionalized Hydrous Zirconia Nano-particles for Epoxidation of Alkenes

Abstract

Hydrous zirconia nanoparticles were covalently functionalized by 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propylamine and salicyl aldehyde to graft different molybdenum containing catalysts. Bis-acetylacetonato-di-oxo-molybdenum(VI) and some molybdenum containing Keggin type heteropolyacids were used for this purpose. The prepared catalysts have been characterized by means of FT-IR spectroscopy, PXRD pattern, thermal analysis, elemental analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Then all of them were used for the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene. The catalytic procedures were subsequently investigated for each catalyst and followed by Gas–Liquid Chromatography. They are also applied repeatedly in the optimum reaction conditions to reveal their recycling ability. Then these conditions were used for successful epoxidation of other linear and non-linear alkenes. Hydroxyl covered hydrous zirconia nanoparticles was covalently functionalized using 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propylamine and salicyl aldehyde to support bis-acetylacetonato-di-oxo-molybdenum(VI) or impound Keggin type heteropolyanions. The supported catalysts were then applied to the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene, and the product yields were studied by Gas Liquid Chromatography. The catalytic procedures of these catalysts were optimized for the parameters involved such as the solvent and oxidant.